Local government | May 29, 2018
The City of Mississauga needs to protect its supply of rental housing. With limited development of new rental housing and vacancy rates at 0.9 per cent, City staff yesterday brought forward a proposed Rental Housing Protection By-law to the Planning and Development Committee. The by-law will regulate the demolition and conversion of rental housing.
“Protecting the supply of rental housing is a key component of the City’s housing strategy, Making Room for the Middle,” said Bonnie Crombie, Mayor of Mississauga. “Rental housing is an important part of a complete community, providing a stable housing option that enables people to live, work and enjoy the quality of life that Mississauga offers. With a vacancy rate that is less than half of what it should be for a balanced market, it is crucial that we do all we can to protect the supply of affordable housing in our City. This is yet another step we are taking to make life more affordable for Mississauga residents.”
According to the staff report, the by-law will apply to demolition or conversion proposals for residential buildings where there are six or more purpose-built rental units. This includes apartments and townhouses built as rental housing at the outset. Rented condominiums, second units and social housing operated by the Region of Peel will be exempt.
“The proposed Rental Housing Protection By-law balances the need to protect the rental supply, renew the housing stock and enhance the community,” said Andrew Whittemore, Commissioner, Planning and Building. “It is proposed as a two-year pilot in order to evaluate the market impact of the by-law and consider the effect of any potential government housing initiatives.”
Earlier this year, City staff consulted with tenants, rental housing owners, developers and other stakeholders and considered the comments received when preparing the proposed by-law.
City staff expects to bring the proposed by-law to Council for approval by early July 2018.
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